Got an '87 H17 in May that had not been sailed in 10 years or so. In decent shape until the laminated Pryde sail gave way. Have replace most rigging, tramp & wing covers and now want to add a jib. I picked up an H18 for parts yesterday, mostly for the jib set up though. The 18 rig will fit the 17, with minor mods, but want to make sure not having the spreader bar will not be an issue?

Also plan on ordering flat top main from Slo Sail, any thoughts on that?

You need a bow spreader pole on the 17 if you plan to rig it with a jib, otherwise you can damage the hulls. The hulls are not designed to withstand the higher inward force from the shortened bridle wires used with a jib.

srm, I was afraid of that. After parking the 18 next to the 17 I noticed the huge difference in hull size and began to worry about damage. Do I have to use the Hobie spreader or can I fashion something to do the spreading?

Of course you don't "need" to use the Hobie spreader pole. It depends on how much time and energy you want to put into it. The Hobie pole is plug-n-play. If you build your own, you have to put out the effort to design and build it. You definitely need something there though or you will probably crack the hull.

srm, I was afraid of that. After parking the 18 next to the 17 I noticed the huge difference in hull size and began to worry about damage. Do I have to use the Hobie spreader or can I fashion something to do the spreading?

Thanks for the help. Because I am also pricing flat top sails to replace the original Neil Pryde main think I will take a swing at designing my own. With Tom helping what is the worse that can happen?

I'd like to hear from someone at HObie on this since it sure looks factory. SEEMS ODD to me too - but surely will ELIMINATE ANY STRESS on the bows. It really LOCKS in snug.

It came with the boat -

but someone asked JIB WHY?

I haven't sailed the 17 yet. I'm hoping it performs well without the jib since I really like it for simplicity. Easier setup and tear down for some no hassle sailing on home lake.But if anything like the 16 or 18 with no jib - forgetabout it.

Being designed for mainsail only - hoping they preform well without a jib.

As stated above, it is not a Hobie factory spreader bar. The stock H17 Sport spreader bar doesn't have a truss rod (dolphin striker) and is shaped more like the boom extrusion (may be the same as the boom extrusion, it's been a while since I've seen one). That spreader likely came off of a NACRA. Anyway, if it fits, there's no reason it shouldn't work.

Regarding the jib, sailing a uni-rig 17 is quite a bit different than just sailing an 18 without a jib. The 17 was designed as a uni-rig and is well balanced without a jib. The only reason I could see putting a jib on a 17 would be if you sail two-up a lot and want the crew to have something to do. But if you already have an 18, the 18 would be much better suited to sailing with two people. The 17 becomes a dog when overloaded.

That is defiantly not Hobie factory equipment. It would suck to use especially going Downwind or reaching which tends to bury the bow. Very wet ride with that striker rod dragging through the water. Just keep in mind the H17 was designed to sail uni rig. The jib was added later.